Portable upright stand

ABSTRACT

Embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a portable upright stand. A portable upright stand can include a pole for suspending objects such as string lighting, protective coverings, etc. The pole can be coupled to a base such that electrical wiring may extend through the pole and the base. The portable upright stand can also include a reservoir that can enclose at least a portion of the pole such that the pole can be stabilized by the reservoir. The reservoir can have a first opening for filling the reservoir with water and a second opening for draining water. The portable upright stand can also have a shell that can be configured to surround the reservoir as décor or as a protective covering.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/994,635, filed May 16, 2014 and entitled “PortableUpright Stand” the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to portableupright stands for supporting string lighting or other displays.Creating temporary string lighting or other displays is difficult,especially in areas lacking suitable permanent structures for suspendinglights and other decorations, and on varied terrain and surfaces,because of the challenge in transporting and erecting stable polestructures for support. It is also challenging to accommodate, add,and/or remove electrical power to such pole structures.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments provide a portable upright stand that permits a userto support string lighting or other displays on any surface, indoors oroutdoors, in the absence of, or in conjunction with, permanentstructures. In some embodiments, the upright stand can include a base, apole, one or more reservoirs, and a decorative shell. The base can bemade of a light weight, durable and moldable material. The base can becoupled to the pole (or a sleeve of the pole where the pole can becollapsible into the sleeve). In some embodiments, the base can bedesigned for electrical wiring to come out of the bottom of the pole,extend through the base, and connect to an external power source. Insome embodiments, the pole can serve to suspend a series of stringlights and support insulated electrical wiring that can be connected toan external power source. Power can be provided to the series of stringlights via the insulated electrical wiring. In certain embodiments, theone or more reservoirs can be filled with water to stabilize theportable upright stand. The decorative shell such as a wine barrel insome embodiments can be designed to surround the reservoir and providean improved aesthetic.

Some embodiments provide a portable upright stand for supporting stringlighting, the portable lighting stand including a base, a pole coupledto the base, and multiple reservoir containers. In some embodiments, thereservoir containers at least partially enclose a portion of the polesuch that the pole is rotatably held by the reservoir containers. Insome embodiments, each reservoir container has an opening for fillingthe reservoir container with ballast.

In some embodiments, the pole has a length of 7-12 feet. In someembodiments, the pole can be made of powder coated aluminum. In someembodiments, the pole is collapsible into a plurality of pole sections.In some embodiments, the reservoir containers include a shell configuredto at least partially surround the reservoir containers. In someembodiments, the shell can be made of weather-resistant material. Insome embodiments, each reservoir container includes hand grips. In someembodiments, each reservoir container has a second opening for drainingballast. In some embodiments, the pole can receive insulated electricalwiring extending through at least a portion of the pole. In someembodiments, the electrical wiring is coupled to another portableupright stand. In some embodiments, the base includes a sleeve forreceiving the pole and a flange at the opposite end with holes. In someembodiments, the ballast comprises sand or water. In some embodiments,the portable upright stand is coupled to another portable upright standthrough string lighting. In some embodiments, the reservoir containersare configurable to stacked in an interlocking manner.

Some embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a portable uprightstand, including providing a base, providing a sleeve configurable to becoupled to the base, and providing one or more pole segmentsconfigurable to be coupled to the sleeve to form a pole. In someembodiments, the method further includes providing a plurality ofreservoir containers capable of receiving water through an openingwherein the reservoir is configurable to at least partially enclose thesleeve. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing ashell configurable to at least partially surround the reservoircontainer. In some embodiments, the method further includes providingstring lighting or other decorations to be coupled to the pole andsupported by the portable upright stand. In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes providing electrical wiring extendable from the topportion of the pole to another portable upright stand. In someembodiments, the method further includes coupling the electrical wiringto a power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example upright standaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary process of assembling a portable uprightstand according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an example reservoir accordingto certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example reservoiraccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another example reservoiraccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an upright stand pole thatis collapsible into multiple pole sections in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an example outdoor lighting system inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example reservoir 730according to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another example upright stand800 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an upright stand pole 920 withelectrical wiring 950 according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another example upright stand1000 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of another upright stand pole1120 and base 1110 assembly with electrical wiring 1150 according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of an upright stand pole 1120 and base1110 assembly with electrical wiring 1150 according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process of assembling a portableupright stand according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments provide a portable upright stand that permits a userto support string lighting or other displays on any surface, indoors oroutdoors, in the absence of, or in conjunction with, permanentstructures. In some embodiments, the upright stand can include a base, apole, one or more reservoirs, and a decorative shell. The base can bemade of a light weight, durable and moldable material. The base can becoupled to the pole (or a sleeve of the pole where the pole can becollapsible into the sleeve). In some embodiments, the base can bedesigned for electrical wiring to come out of the bottom of the pole,extend through the base, and connect to an external power source. Insome embodiments, the pole can serve to suspend a series of stringlights and support insulated electrical wiring that can be connected toan external power source. Power can be provided to the series of stringlights via the insulated electrical wiring. In certain embodiments, theone or more reservoirs can be filled with water to stabilize theportable upright stand. The decorative shell such as a wine barrel insome embodiments can be designed to surround the reservoir and providean improved aesthetic.

Some embodiments provide multiple reservoirs to be stacked against eachother. Having multiple smaller-sized reservoirs as opposed to one largeheavy reservoir allows a user to transport or move a filled reservoir orcontainer more easily. The user may also stack as many reservoirs asneeded for a particular occasion by having multiple reservoirs insteadof a single large reservoir. If the user desires to have more weight tostabilize the portable upright stand or more height to the stand, theuser may stack additional reservoirs on top of each other. While someembodiments enable the user to stack the reservoir tanks on top of oneanother, some embodiments enable the user to stack the reservoir tankssideways to gain more surface area with the bottom surface (e.g.,ground) or for a different aesthetic.

Various embodiments will now be described in greater detail withreference to the accompanying figures, beginning with FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an upright stand 100according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, the portable upright stand 100 can include a base 110, apole 120, a reservoir 130, and a decorative shell 140. The base 110 canbe made of a light weight, durable and moldable material. In someembodiments, the base can be designed for electrical wiring 150 to comeout of the bottom of the pole 120 and extend through the base 110 andconnect to an external power source (not shown). The pole 120 can serveto suspend a series of string lights and to support insulated electricalwiring 150 for powering the series of string lights.

In some embodiments, the pole 120 can house electrical wiring 150. Insome embodiments, the electrical wiring 150 can be secured to theexterior of the pole 120. The reservoir 130 can be filled with water (orother type of ballast such as rocks or sand) to stabilize the portableupright stand 100 and maintain the pole 120 in an upright orientation.The decorative shell 140 can be weather-resistant and designed tosurround the reservoir 130 and can provide an improved aesthetic. Incertain embodiments, the pole is stabilized with an anchor (e.g., tentstake, rebar stake, metal stake, helical pier, sand anchor, guidewires). In some embodiments, the portable upright stand can be used todisplay privacy screens, shade screens, umbrellas, flags, or otheroutdoor displays.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary process 200 of assembling an uprightstand according to some embodiments of the present invention. Asdescribed in FIG. 1, an upright stand can include a base 110, a pole120, a reservoir 130, and a decorative shell 140. Not every blockdescribed in process 200 must be performed to produce an upright standin some embodiments while other embodiments may require additionalsteps. As described, the assembled portable upright stand can be coupledto a series of string lights in a string lighting system. The portableupright stand can be assembled using various techniques and acombination of materials in order to provide the desired durable,weather-resistant support for the series of string lights and to fit theaesthetic of the outdoor space to be illuminated.

At block 205, process 200 can provide a base. As described, the base canbe made of a light weight but durable material. In some embodiments, theshape can be one of a circular, rectangular, or other shape that canprovide stability for a portable upright stand when one face of the baseis placed against the ground. In certain embodiments, the base serves asa mold onto which one or more reservoirs may be placed and possiblylocked.

At block 210, process 200 can provide a sleeve configurable to becoupled to the base. At block 215, process 200 can provide electricalwiring to be strung through the base and the sleeve. At block 220,process 200 can provide one or more pole segments configurable to becoupled to the sleeve to form a pole. At block 225, process 200 canprovide a reservoir capable of receiving water through a first openingan releasing water through a second opening, where the reservoirincludes a tunnel configurable to partially enclose the sleeve. Incertain embodiments, the pole (e.g., 120 from FIG. 1) is preassembled inthe reservoir (e.g., 130 from FIG. 1) to form a single unit. In someembodiments, the pole is removable and slides in and out of thereservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir is removable from theportable upright stand assembly. A U-shaped reservoir can be used toslip around the pole in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the pole is interlocked to the base (e.g., 1110from FIG. 11A) via a ring or a cap such as a ferrule (e.g., 924 fromFIG. 9) or via a swaged end. In some embodiments, the pole can bemounted or interlocked onto the base via one or more locking buttonsthat are on the pole. In some embodiments, the pole is interlocked tothe base without locking buttons. In some embodiments, the base has asleeve with a permanently affixed flange at one end wherein the pole canbe screwed into the other end of the sleeve or connected viainterlocking ferrules, swaged ends, with or without locking buttons. Insome embodiments, the base has a sleeve with a permanently affixedflange at one end and thumb screws at the other end wherein the pole canbe coupled to the sleeve and stabilized or affixed by tightening thethumb screws.

In some embodiments, the base has a sleeve with a permanently affixedflange at one end wherein a plurality of reservoirs are placed on thebase on top of the flange and at least partially surrounding the sleeveto support the pole. In some embodiments, the base can be coupled to theground without a reservoir for support. In some embodiments, the basehas holes and can be affixed to concrete, asphalt, or wood surfaces theground (e.g., via a screw or other stabilizing components) without areservoir for support using the holes. In some embodiments, the base hasa sleeve with a permanently affixed flange with holes at one end whereinthe base can be anchored to ground with stakes pounded through theflange holes into the ground. In certain embodiments, the pole isstabilized with an anchor (e.g., tent stake, rebar stake, metal stake,helical pier, sand anchor, guide wires) for additional reinforcement onvarying surfaces. In some embodiments, a plurality of reservoirs with acircular shape from the top perspective and with a cylindrical tube(e.g., 133 from FIG. 1) may be stacked onto the base with sleeve fromthe top before the pole is coupled to the base.

At block 230, process 200 can provide a decorative shell configurable tosurround the reservoir. In some embodiments, the portable upright standis designed so that approximately two inches of electrical wiringextends from the top of the pole 120 and approximately ten feet ofgrounded cord and plug extends from the bottom of the base.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the reservoir according tocertain embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the reservoirhas a first opening (e.g., 131 from FIG. 1) on or near the top of thereservoir for filling the reservoir with water in order to add stabilityto the portable upright stand. The reservoir in certain embodiments canalso have a second opening (e.g., 132 from FIG. 1) on or near the bottomof the reservoir for draining the water in order to increase theportability of the portable upright stand. In some embodiments, thefirst opening and/or the second opening can be sealed with a plug,screw-top, or other means to prevent unwanted flow into or out of thereservoir.

In some embodiments, the reservoir can have a closed annular body with acylindrical tube through which the pole can be inserted and rotatablysupported in an upright position substantially perpendicular to thebase. In certain embodiments, the reservoir (also referred to as a tankor insert) can be made of a clear, durable, impermeable material. Insome embodiments, the reservoir can hold ballast material other thanwater (e.g. sand, gravel, etc.). In certain embodiments, the reservoirhas a capacity of approximately 15 gallons of water. In one embodiment,the reservoir has a size of 18 inches in width×18 inches in length×11inches in height. In some embodiments, the reservoir has a circularshape from the top perspective with a cylindrical tube opening which thepole (not shown here) can be inserted. When inserted, the pole maythereby be supported in an upright position substantially perpendicularto the base.

FIG. 3B illustrates a second, cross-sectional view of the reservoir 130according to certain embodiments of the invention showing the ballastmaterial 134 inside the reservoir 130. In some embodiments, thereservoir has top and bottom surfaces which are substantially parallelto the base and four sides with rounded edges and corners. In certainembodiments, the reservoir has a cylindrical body with top and bottomsurfaces which are substantially parallel to the base.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the reservoir according tocertain embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the reservoir130 has a U-shaped body with a center opening 135 in which the pole 120(not shown here) can be inserted and rotatably supported in an uprightposition substantially perpendicular to the base 110. In one embodiment,the reservoir 130 has a size of approximately 18 inches in width×18inches in length×13 inches in height. In certain embodiments, thereservoir 130 has faces that are square or rectangular. In someembodiments, the reservoir 130 has rounded edges and/or corners. In someembodiments, the reservoir is collar shaped with round corners or squarecorners.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an upright stand pole 520collapsed into multiple pole sections 521 in accordance with someembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the pole 520 may be asingle non-collapsible pole. In some embodiments, the pole 520 can becollapsed into two or three sections. By having a pole that iscollapsible into multiple sections enables convenient and efficientpackaging and shipping. A pole of extended length to be assembled by areceiving user can be easily packaged when the pole may be broken downinto a number of segments. Upon receiving the collapsed pole, thereceiving user may then easily assemble the segments into a single pole.In some instances, the segments may be coupled tightly by connecting theedges of each segment to each other.

In some embodiments, the pole 520 is screwed into the base plate. Insome embodiments, the pole 520 is two sections and attached to the basevia a sleeve. In some embodiments, the pole 520 is finished to preventcorrosion. In some embodiments, the pole 520 is made of corrosion proofmaterials. In some embodiments, the pole 520 is ten feet in length. Inother embodiments, the pole 520 is seven feet or twelve feet in length.In some embodiments, the pole 520 is three interlocking sections. Insome embodiments, a pole section 521 is affixed to the base andconfigured to receive and support a single, longer pole section 521 oflesser diameter. In some embodiments, tapered ends are slidably mountedinto wider ends for secure connection. In certain embodiments, the userof the portable upright stand can be a consumer who receives amanufactured lighting stand, pre-assembled, boxed and shipped with thepole sections 521 collapsed and with (or without) electrical wiring 550running through the pole sections 521. In some embodiments, the polesections 521 are constructed from powder coated aluminum. In someembodiments the base 510 is a circular base plate. In some embodimentsthe base 510 is a circular base plate with welded tubing and screws forsupporting poles 520 of varying size. In some embodiments, the pole 520has a single section with electrical wiring 550 running through thepole. In some embodiments, the pole 520 has a single section with anextension cord running through the pole 520. In some embodiments, thepole 520 does not support an electrical wiring 550.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an example outdoor lighting system 601including string lighting and exemplary portable upright stands 600 inaccordance with some embodiments. Portable upright stand 600 can be partof a outdoor lighting system 601 in which a series of string lights isstrung together, suspended, and connected to an electrical outlet. Inone example, portable upright stand 100 can be incorporated into asystem with a second portable upright stand 100 in an outdoor spacewhere the first portable upright stand 100 suspends a series of stringlights from its pole 120 and the second portable upright stand 100 bothsuspends a series of string lights from its pole 120 and also connectsthe series of string lights to a power source through its insulatedelectrical wiring 150. In some embodiments, the decorative shell 140 hasa size of approximately 21 inches×21 inches×30 inches. In certainembodiments, the decorative shell 140 is constructed of resin andincludes openings for hands to grip and move the upright stand 100. Insome embodiments, the decorative shell 140 can have a stone-like design,wood design, or a basket weave pattern. In some embodiments, thereservoir 130 can have a decorative exterior. In some embodiments, adecorative shell 140 is not needed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example reservoir 730according to certain embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments,the reservoir 730 has a circular C-shape from the top perspective with acurved outer wall and a U-shaped center opening 735 which can be placedon top of a base (e.g., base 810 (not shown here) and slid around a pole(e.g., pole 920 (not shown here)) from the side thereby supporting thepole in an upright position substantially perpendicular to the base. Insome embodiments, the reservoir 730 has ridges 736 at the top and bottomto provide an interlocking shape for coupling to other reservoirs suchthat a plurality of reservoirs 730 may be stacked and interlockedagainst each other.

In certain embodiments, the a circular C-shaped or U-shaped tank may beinserted onto the base pole with flange from the side. In someembodiments, a doughnut shaped tank may be inserted onto the base polewith flange.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another example upright stand800 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, the pole 820 has electrical wiring 850 entering through theside of the pole and extending through a portion of the pole 820. Insome embodiments, a plurality of reservoirs 830 may be stacked onto thebase 810. In some embodiments, the base 810 includes holes (for examplehole 811). Each reservoir may be filled individually and stacked overeach other in a sequential manner. Having multiple reservoirs can helpstabilize the stand with more weight while making each unit more wieldyand easy to carry for an individual. This allows an individual who maynot be able to or want to carry a very heavy reservoir to assemble thestand easily. The individual may simply stack each wieldable unit overeach other. In some embodiment, the units may be interlocked againsteach other using ridges 836 in the top and bottom of each unit toprovide further stability.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an upright stand pole 920 withelectrical wiring 950 according to some embodiments of the invention. Insome embodiments, the pole 920 is hard wired internally with electricalwiring extending throughout the interior of the pole 920. In someembodiments, the pole 920 includes a seal 923 at the top to preventwater from entering the pole 920. The pole 920 can have exteriorelectrical receptacle 951 near or at the top of the pole 920 and a powerin/male plug 952 on a wire tail 953 at or near the bottom of the pole920. The receptacle 951 may be exterior of the pole 920 or set flushagainst or on the pole 920 such that the pole 920 functions as a watertight electrical junction box. In some embodiments, the pole 920includes an attachment 922 (e.g., clip, ring, eyelet, hook, or quickconnect carabiner) for coupling to string lighting. In some embodiments,the attachment 922 is affixed to the top or sides of the pole 920. Insome embodiments, the attachment 922 supports an extension cord that isextending along the exterior of the pole 920. In some embodiments, thejunctions for the electrical wiring 950 are sealed in water tightcontainers with water tight and rigid connections.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another example upright stand1000 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In someembodiments, the pole 1020 includes a seal 1023 at the top to preventwater from entering the pole 1020. The pole 1020 can have an attachment1022 (e.g., clip, ring, eyelet, hook, or quick connect carabiner) forcoupling to string lighting or other displays. In some embodiments, theattachment 1022 is affixed to the top or sides of the pole 1020. In someembodiments, the attachment 1022 supports an extension cord that isextending along the exterior of the pole 1020. In some embodiments, aplurality of reservoirs 1030 may be stacked onto the base 1010. In someembodiments, each reservoir has a single opening 1031 for both fillingand draining.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of another upright stand pole1120 and base 1110 assembly with electrical wiring 1150 according tosome embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the pole1120 includes a seal 1123 at the top to prevent water from entering thepole 1120 and an attachment 1122 (e.g., clip, ring, eyelet, hook, orquick connect carabiner) for coupling to string lighting or otherdisplays. In some embodiments, the attachment 1022 is affixed to the topor sides of the pole 1020. The base 1110 may have a sleeve with apermanently affixed flange at one end. In some embodiments, the base1110 has holes (for example 1111). In some embodiments, the pole 1120includes a seal 1123 at the top to prevent water from entering the pole1120. The pole 1120 can have exterior electrical receptacle 1151 near orat the top of the pole.

FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of an upright stand pole 1120 and base1110 assembly with electrical wiring 1150 according to some embodimentsof the present invention. In certain embodiments, the upright stand maybe assembled by an assembly process. The assembly process may includesetting the base pole, setting one or more ballast containers on a basepole or slide in from the side, filling one or more containers (or thecontainers may be pre-filled before they are placed onto the base pole),stacking one or more remaining pole segments (if there are multiplesegments in assembling the pole), and adding electrical to the pole inthe event that there is no electrical wiring running inside the pole.Different embodiments may require different variations of the assemblyprocess.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process 1200 of assembling an uprightstand according to some embodiments of the present invention. Asdescribed in FIG. 8, an upright stand can include a base 810, a pole820, and a reservoir 830. Not every block described in process 800 mustbe performed to produce an upright stand in some embodiments while otherembodiments may require additional steps. As described, the assembledportable upright stand can be coupled to a series of string lights in astring lighting system. The portable upright stand can be assembledusing various techniques and a combination of materials in order toprovide the desired durable, weather-resistant support for the series ofstring lights and to fit the aesthetic of the outdoor space to beilluminated.

At block 1205, process 1200 can provide a base comprising a sleeve witha permanently affixed flange at one end. At block 1210, process 1200 canprovide one or more C-shaped reservoirs capable of receiving andreleasing water through an opening, wherein the reservoir includes aU-shaped void in the center configurable to partially enclose thesleeve. At block 1215, process 1200 can fill each of the one or morereservoirs with ballast and stack on the base, on top of the flange andaround the sleeve. At block 1220, process 1200 can provide one or morepole segments configurable to be coupled to the sleeve to form a pole.At block 1225, process 1200 can provide insulated electrical wiring tobe coupled to the pole. At block 1230, process 1200 provides adecorative shell configurable to surround the reservoir.

In the foregoing specification, aspects of the invention are describedwith reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in theart will recognize that the invention is not limited thereto. Variousfeatures and aspect of the above-described invention may be usedindividually or jointly. Further, embodiments can be utilized in anynumber of environments and applications beyond those described hereinwithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of thespecification. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to beregarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus,while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modificationsand alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereofare shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit thedisclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructionsand equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure,as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,”and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term“connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within,attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.The phrase “based on” should be understood to be open-ended, and notlimiting in any way, and is intended to be interpreted or otherwise readas “based at least in part on,” where appropriate. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the disclosure and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood within thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present. Additionally,conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, should also be understood to meanX, Y, Z, or any combination thereof, including “X, Y, and/or Z.”

Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventor intends for the disclosure to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisdisclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A portable upright stand for supporting stringlighting, the portable upright stand comprising: a base pole with twoends; an upper pole with two ends, wherein the first end of the upperpole is configured to be coupled to the second end of the base pole; andone or more stackable reservoir tanks, each stackable reservoir tankincluding: a body; a top face forming the top of the body; a bottom faceforming the bottom of the body; wherein the body is configured to holdballast; and wherein the body has a cylindrical inner surface; whereinthe base pole is configured to be inserted through the cylindrical innersurface of each stackable reservoir tank such that the base pole isremovably, rotatably, and slidably held in an upright orientationsubstantially perpendicular to the bottom face of each of the one ormore stackable reservoir tanks, wherein the combined base pole and upperpole have a length of 7-12 feet; and wherein the decimal ratio of theheight of each stackable reservoir tank, as measured between the topface and bottom face to the length of the combined base pole and upperpole, is greater than 0.076 and less than 0.1548.
 22. The portableupright stand of claim 21, wherein the stackable reservoir tanks areconfigurable to be stacked in an interlocking manner.
 23. The portableupright stand of claim 21, wherein one or more of the stackablereservoir tanks is filled with water to stabilize the portable uprightstand.
 24. The portable upright stand of claim 21 wherein each stackablereservoir tank includes capacity for approximately 15 gallons of water.25. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein each stackablereservoir tank has ridges on the top face and on the bottom face toprovide an interlocking shape for coupling to other stackable reservoirtanks.
 26. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein the first endof the base pole includes an annular base ring.
 27. The portable uprightstand of claim 21, further comprising means for coupling string lightingto the portable upright stand, wherein the means for coupling stringlighting is proximate to the second end of the upper pole.
 28. Theportable upright stand of claim 21, wherein the body has a cylindricalouter surface.
 29. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein theportable upright stand is coupled to a second portable upright stand.30. The portable upright stand of claim 21, further comprisingelectrical wiring extending through at least a portion of the base pole.31. The portable upright stand of claim 21, further comprising adecorative shell configurable to at least partially surround the one ormore stackable reservoir tanks.
 32. The portable upright stand of claim31, wherein the decorative shell is made of weather-resistant material.33. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein the body has anopening configured to receive ballast.
 34. The portable upright stand ofclaim 33, wherein the body has a second opening configured to drainballast.
 35. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein one of theone or more stackable reservoir tanks is stacked on top of another ofthe one or more stackable reservoir tanks.
 36. The portable uprightstand of claim 21, wherein one of the one or more stackable reservoirtanks is empty, another of the one or more stackable reservoir tanks isfilled with ballast, and the empty stackable reservoir tank is stackedon top of the filled stackable reservoir tank.
 37. The portable uprightstand of claim 21, wherein the portable upright stand is coupled to anoutdoor display.
 38. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein theoutdoor display is string lighting.
 39. The portable upright stand ofclaim 21, wherein the top face of the body and bottom face of the bodyare substantially parallel.
 40. The portable upright stand of claim 21,wherein each stackable reservoir tank is capable of being separatelyremoved from the portable upright stand and capable of being carriedindividually.
 41. The portable upright stand of claim 21, wherein thebase pole has an exterior electrical receptacle.